Published by DBUNK Fact Check | February 12, 2025
Readers submitted a request to verify claims made in the CNN article titled “LA fire areas brace for ‘life-threatening’ debris flows from the worst storm in a year as heavy snow hits the Midwest,” written by CNN Meteorologist Mary Gilbert. After investigating the claims within the report, DBUNK has identified missing context and some exaggerated language that could lead readers to false conclusions.
Missing Context on Wildfires and Debris Flow Risks
The article repeatedly emphasizes “historic” wildfires last month as a major factor contributing to the potential for life-threatening debris flows. However, what is missing is context about the specific burn areas affected, and whether the fires were historically significant in terms of size or damage. Official records from CAL FIRE do not show the Palisades or Eaton fires ranking among the largest or most destructive in California’s history. The claim that these fires were “historic” is misleading without further data.
Debris flows are a well-known risk after wildfires, yet framing this storm as a singularly severe event without comparing it to past occurrences distorts the overall picture. The National Weather Service does show that heavy rainfall can exacerbate post-fire mudslides, but Southern California has dealt with similar risks many times over the past decade.
Are These Storms Unusual?
The report describes a “hyperactive” weather pattern slamming the U.S. since the beginning of February, but it does not explore the broader trends behind these weather events. This could leave readers wondering if such storms are abnormal.
Climate data indicates that extreme weather events—including intense rainfall and winter storms—have been increasing in both frequency and severity due to climate change. However, the CNN article fails to provide this broader context and does not cite climate experts on whether these particular storms fit into that pattern. The framing makes it seem as though the country is simply experiencing a random streak of bad weather, which oversimplifies the actual science behind extreme weather trends.
Exaggerated Terms Without Comparisons
The phrase “worst storm in a year” lacks clear measurement or comparison. How was “worst” determined? The article does not include data on rainfall totals or previous storms for context. While it does reference last year’s flooding and mudslides, it does not compare rainfall rates, wind speeds, or ground saturation levels to clarify why this specific storm is particularly concerning.
What’s The Bigger Picture?
Many readers are questioning whether these storms are part of a pattern or just bad luck. The science is clear: climate change is making severe weather more intense. Warmer ocean temperatures add energy to storms, and rising atmospheric moisture increases precipitation. These factors contribute to events like extreme flooding, which is a growing risk in California and the Midwest.
By not connecting the dots between climate science and current events, the article misses a vital opportunity to educate the public. While the storm in Los Angeles certainly poses a significant risk, presenting it as an isolated incident rather than part of a larger trend leaves out an essential piece of the story.
Final Verdict
The CNN article contains valuable information about storm warnings and safety measures in California, but it could be clearer with its terminology and comparisons. It implies a level of severity that requires more specific data to back up its claims. Additionally, its failure to explore the broader climate implications of these storms leaves out important context.
If you ever come across an article you think needs fact-checking, you can submit a request to DBUNK for free—we’ll investigate and publish the results.
